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Head of NSPCC Wales Des Mannion said: “Neglect can have severe and long-lasting consequences for children and can also be an indicator of other forms of abuse.

“This is why it is so important for anyone suspecting a child of being neglected to contact the NSPCC Helpline so we can alert the authorities to quickly step in and help those in need.

“At the same time it is vital we understand the true nature and scale of child neglect in the UK so we can collectively support struggling families. We must also be more aware of emotional neglect, when parents do not provide warm, sensitive, loving parenting that children need.”

Figures also showed there were a further 91 contacts requesting advice about a child possibly facing neglect in Wales over the past year.

The NSPCC made 16,882 referrals to children’s services or the police during this time across the UK – equivalent to 46 cases a day.

Child neglect was mentioned in more than a quarter of UK calls made to the NSPCC Helpline over the last year.

One neighbour told helpline staff: “The children are home alone again.

“I saw the mother leave the house earlier this morning and it’s past midnight now.

“I’ve seen the children peer through the curtains a few times as if they’re waiting for her.

“She does this every Friday night to go out drinking with her mates.

“I’m really confused about what to do as I don’t want to ruin the relationship with the mother as we are neighbours but at the same time I am really worried about the children. What should I do?”

NSPCC Wales is now calling for neglectful parenting to be a key priority for safeguarding boards, public service boards and the government.